Today's MEARI โฐ1-Minute Newsโฐ
1. Number of Small Business Owners Drops by 200,000 ๐๐ช
2. Number of Jeonse Fraud Victims Surpasses 27,000 ๐ข๐
3. South Korea and UK Hold 4th Round of FTA Talks ๐ฐ๐ท๐ฌ๐ง
4. National Pension Service Monitors Homeplus Bankruptcy ๐ข๐ฐ
President Yoon Released After 52 Days in DetentionโWill This Affect the Impeachment Trial? ๐๏ธ
MAR's Korean Picks #2 When the Clouds Clear, the Moon Shines ๐
Korean Dictionary: ์ฐ๋ค๋ฐ๋ [Sandeulbaram] ๐
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โฐ1-Minute Newsโฐ by Editor Narae๐
Number of Small Business Owners Drops by 200,000 ๐๐ช
As of January, the number of self-employed individuals in South Korea has fallen to 5.5 million, marking a decrease of over 200,000 in just two months. This figure is now at the same level as during the COVID-19 pandemic and even lower than in 1997 during the IMF financial crisis. Experts attribute this decline to a prolonged economic slowdown, high inflation, and rising interest rates, making it increasingly difficult for small business owners to survive. Many had held onto hope that business conditions would improve after the pandemic, but as financial pressures continued, many were forced to close. Analysts warn that unless the economy rebounds, the number of small business closures could continue to rise. ๐ข
Number of Jeonse Fraud Victims Surpasses 27,000 ๐ข๐
The number of jeonse fraud victims eligible for government assistance has now reached 27,372, an increase of nearly 3,000 people compared to late last year. This means that around 1,000 new victims have been identified each month. Seoul has recorded the highest number of cases (7,399), followed by Gyeonggi (5,902), Incheon (3,189), and Busan (2,962). The majority of victims are in their 20s and 30s, highlighting the vulnerability of younger renters with less financial and legal experience. In response, the government has revised the Jeonse Fraud Special Act to strengthen tenant protections. However, as the number of victims continues to rise, calls for stronger preventative measures are growing. ๐ก๐จ
South Korea and UK Hold 4th Round of FTA Talks ๐ฐ๐ท๐ฌ๐ง
South Korea and the United Kingdom have begun their 4th round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations in London, running from February 10 to 14. Representatives from both countries, including a delegation of around 60 officials, will discuss key areas such as supply chains, digital trade, government procurement, and the bioeconomy. Since the UKโs exit from the European Union (EU), the two countries have been operating under an agreement modeled after the Korea-EU FTA, which was implemented in 2021. However, both nations are now seeking to update the deal to reflect new trade priorities. This round of talks will focus on expanding trade cooperation in emerging sectors, with hopes for meaningful progress in the negotiations. ๐ค๐
National Pension Service Monitors Homeplus Bankruptcy ๐ข๐ฐ
South Koreaโs National Pension Service (NPS) has revealed that it invested KRW 612.1 billion (approximately USD 460 million) in Homeplus, a major retail chain that recently filed for bankruptcy protection. So far, NPS has recovered KRW 313.1 billion through refinancing and dividends. Homeplus filed for court receivership on February 4, citing financial difficulties following a recent credit rating downgrade. The company described the move as a preemptive measure to manage short-term debt. NPS stated that it is closely monitoring the situation to maximize its investment recovery, emphasizing that the terms of its preferred stock holdings have remained unchanged. ๐๐ |
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President Yoon Released After 52 Days in DetentionโWill This Affect the Impeachment Trial? ๐๏ธ by Editor Dodo๐ฆค
After 52 days in detention, President Yoon Suk Yeol has been released following a court decision. As the Constitutional Court prepares to deliver its ruling on his impeachment, attention is now focused on whether this development will have any impact on the trial.
โ๏ธ Will the Courtโs Decision to Cancel Yoonโs Detention Affect the Impeachment Trial?
Legal experts largely believe that the cancellation of Yoonโs detention will not significantly influence the impeachment trial, as the two are separate legal proceedings. The impeachment trial is focused on determining the constitutionality and legality of the emergency martial law declaration, whereas the criminal trial deals with charges of insurrection. Lim Ji-bong, a professor at Sogang University Law School, stated, โThe cancellation of detention simply means that President Yoon will stand trial without being in custody. It has no direct connection to the impeachment proceedings.โ
๐ต๏ธ Could the Issue of โProcedural Fairnessโ Influence the Constitutional Courtโs Deliberation?
Some observers suggest that the courtโs decision may complicate matters for the Constitutional Court. Concerns about โprocedural fairnessโ could resurface, raising questions about whether the impeachment trial has been proceeding too hastily. While the Constitutional Court has accepted interrogation records of the accused as key evidence, the criminal court has taken a more cautious approach, emphasizing procedural legitimacy. This discrepancy may prompt the Constitutional Court to reconsider its criteria for accepting evidence or even review its trial procedures.
๐๏ธ President Yoon Expected to Remain Low-Key Ahead of Impeachment Ruling
Although he has been released, President Yoon is likely to stay at his residence and focus on legal strategy with his attorneys. Since his presidential powers remain suspended, he cannot receive official reports. However, he is expected to closely monitor national affairs in preparation for a possible return to office if the impeachment is overturned.
With the Constitutional Courtโs final ruling still pending, it remains to be seen how Yoonโs release will factor into the broader legal and political landscape.
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MAR's Korean Picks #2 When the Clouds Clear, the Moon Shines ๐ by Editor Narae๐๏ธ
The exhibition When the Clouds Clear, the Moon Shines; When the Wind Blows, the Stars Sparkle is the Kansong Art and Culture Foundationโs first immersive media art exhibition, reinterpreting traditional Korean paintings in a modern way.
Here, stunning works from the Joseon era come to life on massive screens, blending traditional aesthetics with digital artistry. If you love Korean heritage or have an interest in media art, this is an exhibition you wonโt want to miss! ๐
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A Place Where Traditional Korean Art Comes to Life ๐ผ๏ธ
The highlight of this exhibition is its fresh interpretation of Kansong Museumโs national treasure-level collection through media art. Instead of simply enlarging paintings, the exhibition animates the figures and landscapes, adding light and color to reveal a new side of traditional art.
Among the many captivating sections, two stood out to me the most: |
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Hyewonโs Album of Genre Paintings: A Glimpse into Joseonโs Everyday Life ๐ญ
One section of the exhibition showcases Hyewon Jeonsincheop, an album of genre paintings by the renowned Joseon-era artist Shin Yun-bok (Hyewon). These paintings vividly depict the everyday life and customs of late Joseon society, and seeing them reinterpreted through digital media made for a fascinating experience.
What impressed me the most was how the albumโs 30 paintings and its 156 characters were brought to life. It truly felt like stepping into the past!
On the screens, gisaeng swayed their fans as they danced, lovers exchanged warm smiles, and boaters leisurely floated along the river. Scenes that were once frozen in ink now moved fluidly, making Joseonโs world feel more real than ever. |
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Geumgangnaesan: Nature Painted in Light ๐ In another part of the exhibition, a crowd sat quietly, mesmerized by a single video. This was Geumgangnaesan, a media art piece inspired by one of Joseonโs most iconic landscape paintings, which portrays the breathtaking scenery of Mount Geumgang. In this digital reinterpretation, the painting transformed dynamically, reflecting the passage of time and the movement of nature.
What struck me the most was the mother-of-pearl moon, glowing softly above the majestic peaks of Mount Geumgang. The luminous colors and delicate Eastern aesthetics, enhanced by modern technology, created an atmosphere that was both serene and powerful. ๐
As the video progressed, the wind seemed to pick up, the clouds slowly drifted apart, and stars began to twinkle in the dark sky. In that moment, I felt completely immersedโas if I had stepped into the painting itself. It was a perfect harmony of nature and light, tradition and modernity.
My Experience ๐๏ธ
Throughout the exhibition, I kept thinking, "So this is another way to experience traditional art!" I was especially captivated by Geumgangnaesan, where the sound of the wind, the shimmering moonlight, and the towering mountains combined to create a space filled with a distinctly Korean beauty.
Sometimes, media art can feel overly modern, making it seem disconnected from tradition. But this exhibition proved that digital technology can actually enhance traditional aesthetics rather than overpower them. By reimagining Joseon-era paintings in a contemporary way, it allowed me to rediscover the beauty of Korean art. ๐ |
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Korean Dictionary by Editor Narae๐
์ฐ๋ค๋ฐ๋ [Sandeulbaram] ๐
Spring is just around the corner. The days are getting warmer, and a soft breeze is starting to blow. Todayโs Korean word is ์ฐ๋ค๋ฐ๋ (sandeulbaram), the perfect word to describe this gentle, refreshing wind.
What is Sandeulbaram?
์ฐ๋ค๋ฐ๋ refers to a light, soft breeze. Unlike strong winds that make you brace yourself, sandeulbaram is gentle and pleasant, brushing against your skin like a warm whisper. While it can also be felt in summer, itโs most commonly associated with springโthe season when the breeze carries the scent of blooming flowers and new beginnings.
The Feeling of Sandeulbaram in Spring ๐ธ
Korean has many specific words to describe different types of wind. ์นผ๋ฐ๋ (kalbaram) refers to an icy, biting wind, while ๋ํ (dolpung) describes sudden, strong gusts. Among them, ์ฐ๋ค๋ฐ๋ is the softest and most comforting.
In spring, cherry blossoms and forsythias bloom, and sandeulbaram gently shakes their petals, creating a dreamy scene. The word isnโt just about the weatherโit carries emotions of relaxation and joy. Itโs the breeze that makes you want to take a slow stroll in the park, sip tea by an open window, or simply close your eyes and enjoy the moment.
How to Use It
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The sandeulbaram feels so refreshing today. โ
I love taking a walk in the spring breeze. โ
Feeling the sandeulbaram by the ocean makes me feel at peace.
Have you felt a sandeulbaram lately? As spring arrives, take a moment to enjoy the soft breeze and the little joys it brings. ๐
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Korean Version & Useful Infos Below โฌ๏ธ |
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์ค๋์ ๋ฉ์๋ฆฌ ์์ฝ โฐ1๋ถ ๋ด์คโฐ
1. ์์์
์ 20๋ง ๋ช
๊ฐ์โฆIMF ์ธํ์๊ธฐ๋ณด๋ค ์ ์ ์์ค ๐๐ช
2. ์ ์ธ์ฌ๊ธฐ ํผํด์ 2๋ง7์ฒ ๋ช
๋์ด์โฆ20~30๋ ํผํด ์ปค ๐ข๐
3. ํ๊ตญ-์๊ตญ FTA ๊ฐ์ ํ์, ๋ฐ๋์์ ๊ฐ์ต ๐ฐ๐ท๐ฌ๐ง
4. ๊ตญ๋ฏผ์ฐ๊ธ, ํํ๋ฌ์ค ํฌ์๊ธ ํ์์ ์ด๋ ฅ ๐ข๐ฐ
์ค์์ด ๋ํต๋ น, ๊ตฌ์ 52์ผ ๋ง์ ์๋ฐฉโฆํํต ์ฌํ์ ๋ณ์ ๋ ๊น? ๐๏ธ
3์์ ์ถ์ฒ #2 ๊ตฌ๋ฆ์ด ๊ฑทํ๋ ๋ฌ์ด ๋น์น๊ณ ๋ฐ๋ ๋ถ๋ ๋ณ์ด ๋น๋๋ค ๐
ํ๊ตญ์ด ์ฌ์ : ์ฐ๋ค๋ฐ๋ [Sandeulbaram] ๐
์ ํ, ์ทจ์
์ ๋ณด |
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